Northwest Arkansas is the first stop on a nationwide tour to help hunger-stricken communities in the wake of the pandemic. Tyson Foods, Feed the Children, and Americold are hosting an 'Alliance to Defeat Hunger' tour, which plans to bring 2 million meals to 10 communities across the U.S.

• Feeding NWA: In Springdale yesterday, local partner Compassion NWA joined the fold to provide 25-pound boxes of food items and boxes of personal care and hygiene items.
• More than a whistle stop: The tour will also set up pantries in local schools in each community. Springdale's own George Elementary School partnered with the tour to establish a pantry. Items in the pantries will be available throughout the school year.

Find out more about what the 'Alliance to Defeat Hunger' is doing in NWA HERE.

On Monday, former Razorback track & field and cross-country head coach John McDonnell passed away. The legendary coach leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and excellence that will not be soon forgotten.

• Unrivaled: The excellence achieved by the Arkansas Razorback track & field and cross-country programs in McDonnell's 36 years as coach is unparalleled. His accomplishments are not only a testament to his skill as a coach, but also to his success in building a community in pursuit of excellence and team pride.
• Quote: “While the world has lost an extraordinary man, we not only mourn his loss, but wholeheartedly celebrate that God allowed people around the world to be touched and impacted by his gifts of faith, love, and inspiration.”

At Arkansas, McDonnell won 40 NCAA Championships and 83 conference titles. You can read the family's statement and the University's reaction HERE.

In celebration and memory of the emancipation of African American slaves after the Civil War, the University of Arkansas and the NWA Juneteenth Committee will be hosting the annual NWA Juneteenth Celebration with events happening all month long.

• The day: Juneteenth celebrates African American freedom and achievement while encouraging continuous self-development and respect for all cultures.
• Special events: Between June 7-19, a series of community and family-friendly events will be taking place across NWA, and you're invited.

If you want to learn more about celebrating this historic day, you can find it all HERE.

A tech accelerator unlike any other. In partnership with the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC), Startup Junkie Foundation will be launching its third annual Fuel Accelerator.

• The fuel: This 12-week program is focused on helping startups learn, get mentored, and build networks to become enterprise ready. The accelerator is open to seed and growth-stage startups from all over the world looking to learn how to pursue enterprise clients.
• Much to learn: The 2021 iteration of this program is focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning. The goal is to introduce seed and growth-stage startups to the many ways these technologies can be leveraged in their respective industries.

If you'd like to know more about this accelerator program, you can find it HERE.

One of the oldest family-owned banks in Arkansas, Generations Bank, continues to plant roots here in Northwest Arkansas with the opening of a new branch in Bentonville.

• Make yourself at home: In 2010, the bank first entered the NWA market, purchasing 2 existing branches from another bank. In 2019, it moved its charter from Hampton in south Arkansas to Rogers. Since 2010, the bank has opened 2 more NWA branches and has spun up a mortgage division.
• Latest addition: Generations opened its newest location in Bentonville earlier this year and is now celebrating with a grand opening ceremony on June 15 at 600 SW 41st Street in Bentonville from 4-6p. The ribbon cutting will be at 4:15p, and there will be an open house afterward.

If you want more details about this new branch or about the grand opening, you can find it all HERE.